How to Choose the Right Towing Company in Melbourne
Finding yourself stranded on the side of the road with a broken-down car is never fun. It’s stressful, time-consuming, and sometimes even scary—especially if it happens at night or in bad weather. That’s when a good towing company becomes your best friend.
But here’s the challenge: there are dozens of towing companies in Melbourne. How do you know which one to trust? Which will arrive quickly, treat your car carefully, and charge you fairly?
In this blog post, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to choose the right towing company in Melbourne, what to look out for, and why making the right choice can make a huge difference in an emergency.
1. Understand Why You Might Need a Towing Company
Before you start looking for one, it helps to know when and why towing services are needed. You might need a towing company if:
Your car breaks down on the highway or city road.
You’re involved in an accident and your vehicle can’t move.
You run out of fuel or have a dead battery.
You’ve locked your keys inside the car.
You need to move a vehicle (like a luxury car, motorcycle, or trailer) safely from one place to another.
A professional towing company doesn’t just drag your car away—they provide peace of mind in tough situations.
2. Check for Licensing and Certification
In Melbourne (and across Victoria), towing isn’t something anyone can just do. A professional company must have proper licenses and certifications to operate legally.
When you’re researching towing companies, check for:
Victorian Tow Truck Licence: This ensures the company follows safety and insurance regulations.
Accredited Drivers: The people operating the tow trucks should have the correct driver accreditation.
Insurance Coverage: Make sure the company has full insurance in case your vehicle gets damaged during the process.
These may sound like small details, but they’re actually what separate professionals from amateurs.
3. Look for 24/7 Availability
Car problems don’t follow office hours. A flat tyre or engine failure can happen at 3 PM or 3 AM. That’s why you need a towing company that’s available 24/7.
When you call, you should be able to reach someone immediately—no endless ringing, no waiting for morning. A good towing company in Melbourne offers:
Round-the-clock customer support
Quick response time (ideally within 30–45 minutes)
Service coverage across all major Melbourne suburbs
If a company can’t guarantee 24-hour assistance, it might not be the right choice for emergencies.
4. Check Their Service Areas
Melbourne is a big city—stretching from the busy CBD to suburbs like Dandenong, Werribee, and Craigieburn. Before you choose a towing company, make sure they actually cover your area.
Some companies only operate in specific suburbs, while others like OZI Towing provide towing services across all of Melbourne.
A wider coverage area means:
Faster service wherever you are.
Better experience during long-distance or regional tows.
More flexibility for unexpected breakdowns far from home.
Always ask:
“Do you provide towing in my suburb?”
If the answer is no or unclear, it’s best to keep looking.
5. Read Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Reviews tell you a lot about how a towing company actually treats people. Look at Google reviews, Facebook pages, or community forums.
Pay attention to things like:
How quickly the company responds.
How friendly and professional their drivers are.
Whether customers mention hidden fees or damage to vehicles.
Good reviews are a sign of trust and reliability. If you notice too many negative comments about rude staff, delays, or surprise charges, that’s a red flag.
6. Compare Pricing—but Don’t Just Go for the Cheapest
It’s tempting to pick the cheapest quote you find online. But when it comes to towing, cheaper doesn’t always mean better.
Low-cost tow truck services might:
Use old or unsafe equipment.
Lack insurance or proper licenses.
Add hidden charges once they arrive.
The right towing company in Melbourne should give you a clear, upfront price estimate before they dispatch a truck.
Ask for a breakdown of costs such as:
Call-out fee
Distance-based charges
Extra costs for night or weekend service
Transparency in pricing is a major sign of professionalism.
7. Ask About Their Equipment and Fleet
Not all tow trucks are the same. Different vehicles require different towing methods.
Here are a few common ones:
Flatbed Tow Trucks: Ideal for luxury cars, SUVs, or damaged vehicles.
Wheel-Lift Tow Trucks: Perfect for short-distance towing.
Heavy-Duty Tow Trucks: Used for trucks, vans, or buses.
If you own a specialty vehicle—like an electric car, motorcycle, or caravan—confirm that the towing company has the right tools and expertise for your specific needs.
A good company like OZI Towing invests in modern tow trucks and equipment to ensure your vehicle is handled with care.
8. Check Their Response Time
When you’re stranded on a busy Melbourne road, every minute feels like an hour. That’s why response time is one of the most important factors in choosing a towing company.
Ask them:
“How quickly can you reach me if I break down in my area?”
Reliable companies usually have trucks stationed around different suburbs so they can reach you fast—often within 30 minutes.
If a company can’t give you a clear answer or says they’ll arrive “sometime soon,” it’s better to look for someone else.
9. Consider Their Range of Services
A good towing company does more than just tow. They should also offer a variety of roadside assistance services, such as:
Jump-starting dead batteries
Fuel delivery
Tyre change assistance
Vehicle lockout services
Accident recovery and off-road towing
Choosing a company that can handle everything means you don’t have to search for another service when a different problem comes up.
10. Evaluate Their Professionalism and Communication
You can often tell a lot about a company by how they talk to you. When you call, do they sound friendly, confident, and helpful? Or do they rush you and avoid answering questions?
Professionalism is key. A reputable towing company will:
Answer your questions clearly
Provide realistic time estimates
Treat you respectfully, no matter the situation
Remember, you’re not just hiring someone to move your car—you’re trusting them with your property and safety.
11. Ask About Insurance and Liability
Always confirm whether the towing company provides insurance coverage during transport.
If your vehicle is damaged while being towed, the company should be able to take responsibility and cover repair costs.
Never skip this question—it can save you from a big headache later.
12. Experience Matters
Towing might seem simple, but it requires skill and experience. Experienced operators know how to handle vehicles safely in all conditions—whether it’s a narrow Melbourne street, a busy highway, or a flooded road.
Companies with years of experience tend to:
Handle emergencies calmly
Use better equipment
Have strong relationships with local authorities and workshops
Experience means reliability, and reliability is exactly what you need in an emergency.
13. Support Local Businesses
Whenever possible, choose a local Melbourne towing company.
Local providers like OZI Towing understand Melbourne’s traffic, shortcuts, and regulations better than national call centers. They know how to reach you faster and provide more personal service.
Plus, supporting local businesses helps strengthen your community.
14. Know What to Expect During a Tow
When you call a towing company, here’s what should typically happen:
You explain your location and issue.
They provide an estimated arrival time and cost.
A tow truck arrives promptly.
The driver inspects your car, secures it properly, and transports it safely to your chosen destination.
You receive a final invoice with transparent pricing.
If any of these steps are missing, it’s a sign of poor service.
15. Keep a Trusted Towing Number Saved
Once you find a trustworthy towing company in Melbourne, save their contact in your phone. You’ll thank yourself later when an emergency strikes.
OZI Towing, for example, provides fast, affordable, and 24/7 towing across all of Melbourne, so you can rely on them anytime, anywhere.
Conclusion
Choosing the right towing company in Melbourne isn’t just about price—it’s about safety, trust, and peace of mind.
By checking licenses, reading reviews, comparing pricing, and confirming 24/7 availability, you can make sure you’re dealing with professionals who care about your car as much as you do.
Next time your car breaks down or needs transport, don’t take chances. Call a company that values reliability, transparency, and care — call OZI Towing.
Stuck on the Road?
Trust OZI Towing Company in Melbourne for quick, safe, and professional towing services—anytime, anywhere.
Call OZI Towing now for 24/7 help and fast roadside assistance!
FAQs About Right Towing Company in Melbourne
1. How much does towing cost in Melbourne?
Towing prices in Melbourne usually depend on distance, vehicle type, and time of day. Most services start from around $100 for short distances. Always ask for a quote before booking.
2. How long does it take for a tow truck to arrive?
Typically, a professional towing company can reach you within 30–45 minutes, depending on your location and traffic.
3. Is towing covered by insurance?
Some car insurance policies include towing coverage, especially after accidents. Check with your insurer or ask the towing company if they can bill your insurance directly.
4. Can a towing company help with flat tyres or dead batteries?
Yes! Most towing companies like OZI Towing offer roadside assistance such as tyre changes, jump-starts, and fuel delivery.
5. What kind of vehicles can be towed?
From small cars and SUVs to motorbikes, vans, and even heavy vehicles—OZI Towing handles them all with professional care.
